IndexShame and guiltIdentity and conformityThe weight of warConclusionTim O'Brien's short story "On the Rainy River" is a powerful exploration of the themes of shame, guilt and struggle to define your own identity. The story is part of O'Brien's collection of short stories in his book "The Things They Carried," which is a reflection on his experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War. “On the Rainy River” is a key story in the collection as it delves into the emotional and psychological impact of war on soldiers and the internal conflict that arises from the pressure to conform to society's expectations. This essay will analyze the theme of “On the Rainy River” and explore how it contributes to the overall message of the collection. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Shame and Guilt One of the central themes of "On the Rainy River" is the overwhelming sense of shame and guilt experienced by the protagonist, Tim O. «Brien. The story is set in the summer of 1968, when O'Brien receives the draft for the Vietnam War. He faces internal conflict whether to join the draft or flee to Canada. O'Brien feels a deep sense of shame at the thought of shirking his duty as an American citizen, but also guilt at the prospect of fighting in a war he doesn't believe in. This internal struggle is a central theme of the story and is a reflection of the emotional turmoil experienced by many soldiers during the Vietnam War. Identity and Conformity Another major theme of "On the Rainy River" is the struggle to define one's identity amidst social pressures. O'Brien grapples with the expectations of his family, friends, and society as a whole. He feels the weight of their judgment and struggles with the fear of being seen as a coward if he chooses to dodge the draft. This theme of identity and conformity is further emphasized by O'Brien's internal struggle as he tries to reconcile his beliefs with the expectations of others. The story raises important questions about the nature of courage and the pressures of conformity, and the impact these have on an individual's sense of self. The Burden of War Additionally, “On the Rainy River” also addresses the psychological burden of war on soldiers. O'Brien's internal conflict reflects the emotional toll that war takes on individuals and the moral dilemmas they face when forced to participate in a conflict that goes against their beliefs. The story highlights the mental anguish soldiers feel when faced with the prospect of fighting in a war they don't believe in. This theme of the weight of war contributes to the overall message of “The Things They Carried,” which is a poignant depiction of the physical and emotional burden carried by soldiers during and after the war. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, "On the Rainy River" is a powerful exploration of the themes of shame, guilt, and the struggle to define one's identity. The story delves into the emotional and psychological impact of the Vietnam War on soldiers and the internal conflict that arises from the pressure to conform to society's expectations. Through the exploration of these themes, “On the Rainy River” contributes to the overall message of “The Things They Carried,” which is a poignant reflection on the emotional and psychological toll of war on individuals. Tim O'Brien's narrative deftly captures the complexities of the human experience, and "On the Rainy River" stands as a powerful testament to the lasting impact of war on the psyche.